Covid-19: Vaccine Donations Debate
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Lord McFall of Alcluith
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Covid-19: Vaccine Donations
Lord McFall of Alcluith Excerpts(3 years, 1 month ago)
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Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con)
My Lords, I did not hear the broadcast, but I heard the summary of the message. I do not think anyone pretends it is an either/or decision: either blocking flights temporarily into this country or enabling the widespread vaccination of vulnerable populations. Our view is that both are necessary as immediate-term steps. The G7 has been dominated by discussions around this issue, and no doubt that will continue.
The Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)
I call the noble Lord, Lord Bethell. He is not here. I call the noble Lord, Lord Collins of Highbury.
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
My Lords, too many of the vaccines gifted to the poorest countries are within 12 weeks of their use-by dates. These short lead times between donation and expiry show why a strengthened G20 and a month-to-month delivery timetable are now urgent. Will the Government follow the Swiss example of expeditious transferring of delivery dates with their recent transfer to COVAX? We can act now and have an effect now.